J. Howard Yoder, 93, of West Liberty, Ohio, passed away Tuesday, June 23, 2009, at Mary Rutan Hospital in Bellefontaine, Ohio. He was born in Champaign County Ohio, on December 18, 1915, the son of the late Emmett W. and Ella (Stoltzfus) Yoder. 

He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Elva (Kauffman) Yoder, whom he married February 26, 1939 in Champaign County and also a brother, Harold Yoder and a sister Leona Hostetler. He is survived by four children; James (Margy) Yoder, Sally Yoder, Peggy Yoder, all of West Liberty, Sandy (Gene) King of Zanesville, Ohio, and a brother, Emmett (Carol) Yoder of Punta Gorda, Florida; six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

He was a 1933 graduate of Salem High School, a farmer and building contractor for many years where he developed property at Woodland Rest and Wyandot Village in the West Liberty area. After retirement, he volunteered his construction skills for over 25 years to Scioto Hills Baptist Youth Camp in Wheelersburg, Ohio, Logan County Habitat for Humanity, and Marmon Valley Farm in Zanesfield, Ohio. He was an active member of the West Liberty Lions Club and enjoyed being involved with the Labor Day celebration each year. Donating 16 gallons of blood to the Logan County Blood Bank was a highlight of his life. He was one of the founding members of the Grace Chapel Church in West Liberty, where he was a member for over fifty years. He enjoyed hunting and the great outdoors and Ohio State football, where he was a season ticket holder for more than 50 years.

There will be no viewing, as he donated his body to The Ohio State University. A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 11, 2009, at 11:00 A.M. with visitation one hour prior to the memorial service at the Chapel Church in West Liberty. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the West Liberty Lions Club or to Marmon Valley Farm. 

The Kauffman-Eichholtz Funeral Home in West Liberty assisted the family with the funeral arrangements. 

Online condolences to the family may be expressed from www.eichholtzfuneralhome.com